WILLIAM ALLEN
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History of Menard and Mason Counties, Illinois, 1879, by Miller & Ruggles
Mason City Township
Page 784

WILLIAM ALLEN, retired merchant and farmer; P.O. Mason City; one of the early settlers; born in Dearborn Co., Ind., March 31, 1807, where he attended school until 20 years of age; he was engaged in the merchandise trade several years in Indiana, and, in 1840, was elected Sheriff of La Porte Co., serving two years, and again elected to the same office in 1852; in 1843-44, he represented the La Porte District in the State Legislature; in 1854, he came to Illinois and located in Havana. and, until 1870, was engaged in farming near the latter place; in 1870, he disposed of a part of his property in Havana; re-invested in Mason City and Township, where he has lived since 1877. He was married to Sarah K. Shotwell in 1837; she was a native of New Jersey; they are the parents of five children:  Jacob R,, William S., Louisa, Kate and Henry S. Mr. Allen has token a deep interest in the cause of religion, and has been a member of the Methodist Church for a period of upward of forty years; his whole family are also Church members, the oldest son now preaching in La Salle, Ill.

Maintained by Mason County Coordinator Donna Mayer